TSC Trustee Delia Saenz makes an impact at a campus special to her family

Texas Southmost College Trustee Delia Saenz returned to a place that means a lot to her and her family.

On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, Saenz attended Career Day at Mariano Gonzalez Sr. Elementary. Students in the fifth-grade class learned about opportunities in the community from many different presenters.

Saenz’s presentation had big historical significance because the school was named after her late grandfather, Mariano, who drove school buses for the district for over 40 years.

“The first time I came to Gonzalez they asked me to say a speech when the school was inaugurated,” Saenz said. “It was such a great experience. I had my family here, my uncles and aunts. Now I am back here, and a lot of my family has passed but it is an honor to represent them today.”

When presenting Saenz, a TSC alumni, explained the importance of education, staying engaged in school and why Texas Southmost College is a great place to get a start in higher education.

 “They always gave us great advice about going on and finishing school,” she said. “I love this school, what it represents and I’m glad I got to be a part of this today.”

Saenz was an educator for decades. Her visit with elementary students brought her back to her favorite parts of teaching.

“I loved working with my kids when I taught for 30 years,” she said. “First I was a bilingual teacher for 10 years and a reading teacher for 20 years. I had a special place in my heart for those kids that were struggling. Today I see these kids and they are so confident and aware of what they like…their favorite subjects in school.”

Many of the students who visited her table said they knew about Texas Southmost College because a sibling or parent attends TSC.

“TSC has always been a place where we can go to school,” Saenz said. “When I was growing up a lot of the Hispanic community stayed here and studied here to make sure everything was going to go well and get their footing and confidence. That is what helped me when I went before transferring to Kingsville for University. It’s great to see that Texas Southmost College is being talked about in the community…they have brothers or sisters who went to TSC or work there now. That makes me happy.”